North of Guiones, Playa Pelada is a family gathering place for sunset, swimming and surfing, though the waves can get a bit rough. On the northern end, the foaming sea crashes relentlessly against sheared-away boulders, but skilled surfers tend to congregate up there for a beach break. Pelada also offers two alluring beachside restaurants and the fishing-village intimacy that Guiones lacks.

To walk to Playa Pelada from Guiones, follow the beach north and jump or wade the narrow inlet. Hook a right on the dry riverbed rocks just after the tree marked '#3' on the beach and take the path uphill. If you're less ambitious, a tuk-tuk will cost about US$6 to US$8.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Reserva Biológica Nosara

0.96 MILES

The private 35-hectare reserve behind Lagarta Lodge has trails leading through a mangrove wetland down to the river and beach. Stop in the Lagarta lobby…

2. International Animal Rescue Costa Rica

1.03 MILES

Make an appointment to visit this animal rescue center. Brenda Bombard is an incurable animal lover who has devoted two decades to caring for injured and…

3. Sibu Sanctuary

1.77 MILES

Reservations are required to visit this wildlife sanctuary, set on 50 glorious acres of jungle and garden. The sanctuary is dedicated to rescuing,…

4. Playa Guiones

3 MILES

Nosara's most developed beach is also a stunner, with a wide, generous arc of marbled sand (and a few pebbles and shells mixed in), excellent beach breaks…

5. Playa Garza

3.68 MILES

From the south, the first beach you'll hit is Playa Garza, still a sleepy Tico fishing village with an arc of pale brown sand, and headlands on either…

7. Playa Barrigona

8.17 MILES

A dreamy, hidden, white-sand beach about 30 minutes north of Sámara, where no development is visible. Just inland, though, sits a sprawling hacienda…